Poll: One of Four Healthcare Dollars Spent on Unnecessary Medical Care (2.22.2010)
WASHINGTON - One in four dollars spent on health care in America
now pays for unnecessary tests and treatments that physicians order
to keep from being sued, according to a new Gallup poll of the
nation's doctors released today by Jackson Healthcare and the
Center for Health Transformation.
The poll, conducted by the Gallup organization for Jackson
Healthcare, showed that of physicians surveyed nationwide, 73
percent said they practiced some form of "defensive medicine" in
the past 12 months to protect themselves from frivolous
lawsuits.
That means patients are paying more so doctors don't get
sued.
"Healthcare would be cheaper for every American if we could
slash the cost of defensive medicine," said Newt Gingrich, founder
of the Center for Health Transformation. "Think of how often each
of us gets sent for extra lab work or tests that seem so
unnecessary.
"Meaningful health reform must address these unnecessary costs,"
Gingrich said.
Gallup conducted the six-week, nationwide survey across all
specialties of physicians. Those doctors reported that 26 percent
of overall healthcare costs can be attributed to the practice of
defensive medicine.
According to just-released data by the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, healthcare in America now costs $2.5 trillion
annually.
"Doctors order unnecessary medical care because they are in fear
that one mistake could wipe out everything they've ever worked
for," said Richard Jackson, chairman and CEO of Jackson Healthcare,
an Atlanta-based healthcare management company.
CHT has suggested addressing civil justice reform, or
discouraging frivolous lawsuits, through several means including
health courts that only consider medical malpractice cases.
Based on Gallup's survey, Jackson Healthcare officials estimate
that $650 billion of the $2.5 trillion spent on healthcare annually
is spent on unnecessary tests and treatments.
"That kind of money could certainly help pay for the healthcare
of many uninsured Americans," Jackson added. "If we eliminate
defensive medicine, we can make healthcare more affordable for
everyone."
For more information contact Susan L. Meyers at
404-518-2271 at the Center for Health Transformation or
Bob Schlotman at 770-643-5697 at Jackson
Healthcare.
About the Center for Health Transformation
(CHT)
The Center for Health Transformation is a high-impact
collaboration of private and public sector leaders committed to
creating a 21st Century Intelligent Health System that saves lives
and saves money for all Americans. Unlike other alliances, CHT
unites stakeholders across the spectrum (providers, employers,
vendors, trade associations, disease groups, think tanks) and
government leaders at both the state and federal level to drive
transformation according to a shared vision and key principles. For
more information, please visit www.healthtransformation.net.
About Jackson Healthcare
Founded by the healthcare innovator Richard Jackson, Jackson
Healthcare serves more than two million patients in nearly one
thousand hospitals each year. The Jackson family of companies
provides clinician staffing, anaesthesia management and healthcare
information technology solutions proven to improve clinical and
financial outcomes, as well as increase operational efficiency.
Jackson Healthcare has also earned national media coverage for its
physician polls and international charitable work. With a 43
percent company annual growth rate in revenue between 2005 and
2008, Jackson was named among the "Fastest Growing Private
Companies" by Inc. 5000. In addition, Jackson has been recognized
as one of the "Largest and Fastest Growing Staffing Companies," in
the country by Staffing Industry Analysts and "One of Atlanta's
Best Places to Work" by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. For more
information about Jackson and its companies, visit www.JacksonHealthcare.com.